Baku: Sabina Aliyeva, Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, has issued a statement on the Declaration of the 'Peace Month' to honor the International Day of Peace. The statement highlights the ongoing necessity for sustainable peace amidst global conflicts and crises.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the statement recalls the United Nations General Assembly's establishment of the International Day of Peace on November 30, 1981, and the subsequent declaration in 2001 designating September 21 as a day for global ceasefire and non-violence. This year, the theme set by the UN for the 2026 International Day of Peace is "Invest in Peace - for everyone, everywhere, every day." The theme emphasizes the need for respect for human rights, dignity, justice, and equality as essential elements for sustainable peace.

Azerbaijan has been actively promoting regional and global peace. In 2025, Azerbaijan and Armenia took significant steps toward normalizing relations by signing an agreement in Washington, DC, aimed at establishing peace and interstate relations. Continuing its commitment to peace, Azerbaijan joined the Board of Peace as a founding member state in 2026, with President Ilham Aliyev signing the Charter in Davos.

The statement underscores the importance of eliminating the humanitarian consequences of war, including landmines and explosive remnants, and ensuring the rights of conflict-affected populations. It also stresses the need to foster a culture of peace, especially among children and youth, to prevent discrimination, xenophobia, and hate speech.

The Azerbaijan Ombudsman has been declaring August 21 to September 21 as 'Peace Month' to align with the International Day of Peace. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the relationship between peace and human rights, encouraging dialogue and understanding within society. The Ombudsman invites various entities and the public to organize educational events and activities during this month to reinforce human rights, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence.

The statement concludes by expressing hope that these efforts will enhance respect for human rights and dignity, strengthen mutual understanding and solidarity, and promote a culture of peace within society.